Newlands raises the importance of local banks
Gavin Newlands, MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, has spoken at Westminster about how vital local bank branches are to local communities.
Since the 1988, bank branches in local communities across the UK has fallen by 43%.
Gavin has previously campaigned to prevent the closure of the Bank of Scotland bank, in Ralston, and the Clydesdale bank in Bridge of Weir.
During his speech at Westminster, Gavin slammed those big banks who close bank branches without consulting or considering the impact that is had this has on a local community.
Gavin Newlands, MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire North, said:
“In 1988, there were 20,583 branches in local communities across the UK but in 2012 we only had 8,837 bank branches serving in our local areas, possibly even less now.
“This is an entirely unacceptable situation and unfortunately all the major banks are guilty of letting their customers down on this issue.
“Local people in Renfrewshire – particularly those living in Ralston - will be well aware of the impact that is caused to a community following when a local bank branch being closes. This not only has an impact on the local economy for an the area but also makes it harder for elderly and disabled people, in particular, to complete their banking transactions.
“Communities rely on their local bank branches. They are just as important as the local doctors, dentists and supermarkets. We have to safeguard our local banking service, and I would strongly encourage the big banks to do more to protect keep local bank branches open.”
